Tarp "v" protocol

**Freakin Farmer** · 07-26-2015, 17:47

When hanging in between trees's that are ~15' apart with a 12' tarp (11' hammock) I have an issue with my ridgeline "v". The tarp ends are quite close to the tree's. On my head end I can usually get it sync'd with my hammock suspension to create a "v" but on my foot end it interferes with the suspension because the strap is higher up on the tree. I have been angling the tarp to match the hammock ridgeline angle, but last night I got a down pour rain around 4 a.m. and had water running down the inside of the tarp from the foot end. If I make the tarp ridgeline level with the upper/ foot end the sides of the tarp are pretty high off the ground, which is fine in fair weather. However, if I want to pitch it low and tight under those parameters for foul conditions what is the protocol?

Tangled up in ridgelines,

Steve

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-26-2015, 19:17

I've never understood the V and probably never will. I have my ridgeline above the tarp and it works fine for me without the V.

**Freakin Farmer** · 07-26-2015, 19:41

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

I've never understood the V and probably never will. I have my ridgeline above the tarp and it works fine for me without the V.

does your hammock suspension rub on the tarp? I have always understood that to be something to avoid??

**WrenchBender** · 07-26-2015, 19:54

I've tried to maintain the V protocol also and found it useless and unneeded. By the time you could do damage to your lines I'm sure it would need replacement for other reasons like old age. My lines touch and I don't mind anymore.

**zukiguy** · 07-26-2015, 19:59

Ditto...don't need the "V". I do however run my tree straps for my hammock so they end on the side of the tree. The net result is that my tarp ridgeline is centered but the hammock hangs at a slight angle with respect to this centerline. That generally keeps the lines from rubbing without having any problems.

**WrenchBender** · 07-26-2015, 20:04

Originally Posted by zukiguy

Ditto...don't need the "V". I do however run my tree straps for my hammock so they end on the side of the tree. The net result is that my tarp ridgeline is centered but the hammock hangs at a slight angle with respect to this centerline. That generally keeps the lines from rubbing without having any problems.

I'll second that setup also!

**Floridahanger** · 07-26-2015, 20:18

Same here. No "V".

Like Zuki et al, I put my hammock suspension slightly to one side or near the side of the tree. Using ADutchable Clips, this helps to keep the strain low on them.

The tarp CRL has a Dutch Hook on one end and goes around the tree and hooks on back to the Lash-it. No "V" here. The adjustable side has a Dutch Flea that I slide near the tree and connect here. Little to no "V" here either. The hammock is on one side of the tarp CRL and my gear hammock is on the other so it hangs down and next to my hammock.

IMG_0319 copy.jpg
My tarp is set high enough for me to stand under in this pic, but no "V". You can see where my skins end near the tree. This is where the CRL connection is at.
IMG_0321 copy.jpg

**Freakin Farmer** · 07-26-2015, 20:42

Originally Posted by Floridahanger

Same here. No "V".

Like Zuki et al, I put my hammock suspension slightly to one side or near the side of the tree. Using ADutchable Clips, this helps to keep the strain low on them.

Thanks for the pics. My tarp sides don't appear to be quite as long as yours. When I have it pitched low enough for them to be just a few inches off the ground my tarp ends touch my suspension coming off the tree. That is what I am most concerned about...the tarp rubbing on the suspension ( I use cinch buckles....haven't went whoopie quite yet)

**OCDave** · 07-26-2015, 20:55

Steve,

Move the trees apart just a little.

If that doesn't work, may be be more selective about the trees you choose. I typically hang my tarp prior to my hammock. I use non-continous ridgeline and concern myself with the V. I evaluate the clearance between my tarp and the trees before hanging my hammock and if it looks insufficient, I find different trees.

Good Luck

**Freakin Farmer** · 07-26-2015, 21:12

Originally Posted by OCDave

Steve,

Move the trees apart just a little.

If that doesn't work, may be be more selective about the trees you choose. I typically hang my tarp prior to my hammock. I use non-continous ridgeline and concern myself with the V. I evaluate the clearance between my tarp and the trees before hanging my hammock and if it looks insufficient, I find different trees.

Good Luck

This is Iowa....we have strict laws against trees. Only two per 6 mile radius according to state code.